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Addressing college food insecurity: The urgent need for innovative solutions

Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Food Policy Center

College food insecurity, an issue once relegated to the fringes of campus conversations, has become a pressing concern in recent years. Recent studies reveal a troubling reality: between 19 and 56 percent of college students experience food insecurity. This statistic highlights a significant gap in the ability of students to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Factors contributing to this crisis include rising educational expenses, limited financial aid, and insufficient wages from part-time jobs. Food insecurity among college students can lead to a host of negative outcomes, including decreased academic performance, higher dropout rates, and adverse health effects. Many students facing food insecurity report having to choose between paying for textbooks or buying groceries, a dilemma that places undue stress on their educational experience and personal well-being. 

American Institutes for Research

U.S. Department of Education

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